Irving will line up alongside the Celtics’ other new appointment, Gordon Hayward, to form a formidable combination. NBA fans in the UK will be able to watch perennial All-Star Irving play first hand when he comes to London in January to play in the NBA London Game 2018 at The O2.

The 25-year-old has already had an impressive career with four All-Star appearances, an NBA All- Star Game MVP and an NBA championship to his name. As one of the most talented offensive players in the league, Irving will be able to give the Celtics a chance of reaching the NBA finals for the first time since 2010.

Danny Ainge, Boston Celt- ics president of basketball operations, said he is “very excited” about the prospect of Irving joining their ranks. Ainge also said of Irving: “He’s an NBA champion, and Olympic champion, an All- Star with some of his best years ahead of him at just 25-years-old.

CHANCE

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity of working with Kyrie and getting a chance to see him in a Celtic uniform. Kyrie is a great fit, he is at a great age and experience which is a great fit for us and where we are with our younger players. His ability to score in a variety of ways, shooting threes and getting to the basket, is elite.”

Ainge also spoke of how difficult it was to trade Thomas, adding: “Trading both guys was tough, but Isaiah just had an amazing season this year and entertained us all, the whole city of Boston and everybody fell in love with him."

“He’s such an underdog because of his size and his heart and his spirit with which he plays. It was very challenging to make this decision.” The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Boston Celtics at The O2 on January 11.

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